A has been set up for the family of a Richmond man who died from COVID-19, after being found unresponsive in his home.
Warlito Valdez, 49, is the second person in the general community to die from the coronavirus. According to , Valdez was self-isolating on the top floor of his home when his wife found him Sunday morning. Paramedics were unable to resuscitate him.
Valdez, who worked at Pendleton Home, run by the Richmond Society of Community Living (RSCL), became ill with COVID-19 following exposure at a program where he was a front-line essential worker, explained Shannon Crofton, RSCL acting executive director.
She said the organziation has been “devastated” by the news of the death of Valdez.
As of 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, the GoFundMe page, set up by Valdez’ coworkers, has raised $6,045 of the $15,000 goal for his wife Flozier and daughter Charlotte.
“Warlito, our dear co-worker, passed away from COVID-19 on Sunday, Apr. 5,” reads the GoFundMe page.
According to the fundraiser page, Valdez was a “tireless provider,” working two or three jobs to support his family. The page’s organizers write that they hope the financial contributions will help his wife “focus her time and energy on grieving and (on) their daughter.”
“Many people have asked how to support his family during this difficult time. We have set up this page in response to the outpouring of support for his wife and daughter,” reads the page, which notes that grieving during the pandemic is “unprecedented.”
“It would be comforting to those who knew Warlito to know that his wife and daughter are being looked after and cared for by (the) community.”
RSCL has been in daily contact with staff who have become ill or tested positive for COVID-19 to monitor their health and offer support.
Crofton said the society has been following pandemic control policies since early March to ensure the health and safety of staff and clients.
“Like in healthcare, practicing social distancing while providing front-line support is challenging and we continue to follow all recommendations of the health authority and our funders,” Crofton said. “We grieve the loss of a friend and colleague.”
This was the 39th death in B.C. from COVID-19. Most deaths have been in long-term care facilities.
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